Speech / Language Delay - Dr. Srinivas Gada

Speech and Language Delay/Difficulties

Conditions that cause child’s inability to comprehend or share ideas or feelings because of an impairment in language, speech, hearing or intellect
Problems could be in speech production (articulation), receptive (understanding) language, expressive (spoken) language, social communication
Need to exclude conditions such as Autism/ASD, LD, Epilepsy, Hearing loss, Mutism
Delay in Speech and Language (without disorder) is common, i.e. affects 5-6% of children
Presents as not babbling by the age of 12 months
Not talking by the age of 2 years
Not speaking in short sentences by the age of 3 years
Can have poor pronunciation or articulation
Can have difficulty putting words together in a sentence
Child has diminished ability to exchange thoughts, opinions, information or communication
Lead to child being anxious, isolated, withdrawn, stressed
Has impact on learning, achievement, relationships, employment and life outcomes

Hassle-free and easy to book appointments
No waiting list to worry about. Book a date that is convenient to you
Comprehensive and evidence-based developmental assessments
Detailed diagnostic report that can help you in getting the right help, support and services
Early intervention means better outcomes for your child

I review reports from all settings e.g. nursery or school
Carry out SAL-specific developmental and family history
Observe/elicit SAL specific behaviours and difficulties through play-based tests
Neurodevelopmental assessment for children under 8 years
Carry out full physical examination including neurology, to rule out medical problem
Growth assessment
Inspect for associated conditions e.g. ASD, Hearing loss, LD
Review information from tests
Build a picture of your child’s strengths, weaknesses and needs

Provide you with a clear diagnostic report confirming the nature and severity of SALD
Offer you information about local and national sources of support and information
Give you SAL-specific behavioural, educational and environmental strategies
Advice regarding review by other professionals e.g. SLT where required
Advice regarding further tests where required e.g. hearing
You could use medical report e.g. to gain extra support at school, claim allowances/benefits
You will feel empowered to enable your child from this holistic assessment and action plan
Present you with an option for follow-up, if required

Development of motor skills follows a predictable sequence
Physical abilities are a manifestation of early development
‘Motor Delay’ refers to slow development of gross motor and fine motor abilities
Can be associated with delay in ability to sit, stand, walk, climb, grasp, write etc.
Could be secondary to several conditions e.g. isolated delay, global developmental delay, muscle problems, ataxia, cerebral palsy or musculoskeletal issues
Gross motor delays vary in severity and outcome
Signs of developmental delay may not be obvious
If you are concerned, seek help. Parents are likely to be correct majority of times
Motor delay could impact on other aspects of development, learning
Timely diagnosis leads to early intervention and better outcomes

Hassle-free and easy to book appointments
No waiting list to worry about. Book a date that is convenient to you
Comprehensive and evidence-based developmental assessments
Detailed diagnostic report that can help you in getting the right help, support and services
Early detection and intervention mean better outcomes for your child

I review reports from all settings e.g. nursery or school
Carry out Motor-specific developmental and family history
Observe/elicit child’s motor abilities and difficulties through play-based tests
Neurodevelopmental assessment for children under 8 years
Carry out full physical examination including neurology, to rule out medical problem
Growth assessment
Inspect for associated conditions e.g. LD
May request/review information from tests e.g. CK
Build a picture of your child’s strengths, weaknesses and needs

Provide you with a clear diagnostic report confirming the nature and severity of Motor Delay
Early intervention helps child reach their full potential
Offer you information about local and national sources of support and information
Give you GM & FM specific educational and environmental strategies
Advice regarding review by other professionals e.g. Neurologist, PT, OT where required
Advice regarding further tests where required e.g. CK, TFT
You could use medical report e.g. to gain extra support at school, claim allowances/benefits, access early intervention resources
You will feel empowered to enable your child from this holistic assessment and action plan
Present you with an option for follow-up, if required